Stereo install question

Kilroy · 10-14-2006, 10:15 PM

Please don't shoot me for my noobie question. THe last time I installed a stereo was about 18 years ago. Now, I have a 1999 Alero, and was thinking of installing an aftermarket stereo. I have heard talk on here about a "relocation" kit. Am I to gather, that I cannot simply unhook my stock stereo, plug in a wire adapter harness, and wire it to a new stereo deck? Does a simple " how to" exist to maybe help me? Any help on this will be greatly appreciatted.

clutch1 · 10-15-2006, 12:53 AM

If you change the stock stereo you loose the dinger that goes off when you leave your lights on. The relocation kit puts the stock radio in the trunk or something and keeps the ding. I'm pretty sure they make dinger harnesses, too, that're kind of expensive.

As for a how to I don't really know. You can just wire up a new stereo if you don't mind losing the ding.

ImSoBored · 10-15-2006, 01:19 AM

youve got a 99, you won't need it, I had a 2000 and didnt need it. Only certain models or years you needit.

clutch1 · 10-15-2006, 01:34 AM

Well just kiddin then, haha. My 2001 would've.

10-15-2006, 06:03 PM

If your chime comes through your driver door speaker you will need the adapter harness that has the chime module with it. An aftermarket deck will then work in your factory location.

RazziAlero99 · 10-15-2006, 08:37 PM

I have a 99 alero with an aftermarket sound system and have never heard of loosing the dimmer when your lights go off. My lights dim fine and also haven't heard of relocating anything or with the chimes. Its simple, you buy the new harness for your new head unit, remove the old and connect the wires.

StackS 757 · 10-15-2006, 08:53 PM

the easiest way to tell if you need it or not is to easily go to www.crutchfield.com and If it tells you you need a wire harness then you need it

_01Alero_ · 10-15-2006, 10:37 PM

Well, it said that my car needed the 80 dollar harness that has the speaker module on the harness, but I didn't get it. I just got a standard harness and hooked it up. I don't get the dings that go off when your doors are ajared, but who the heck needs that (unless of course you are worried about kids, then I can see why). So in all honesty, even if it tells you that you need the expensive harness, you can get away with your basic 20 dollar harness. Just a matter of whether you want the dings or not.

10-16-2006, 06:51 AM

Heard that

sound_xtreme · 10-16-2006, 08:06 AM

99's definetly dont need it. I think 00's dont either actually.

ImSoBored · 10-16-2006, 05:48 PM

2000 don't need it, neither do 99s

10-17-2006, 02:15 AM

The chime is part of the Class 2 data bus. That allows communication through the BCM,PCM,Airbag Module, and Anti-Theft. Your factory radio is part of that link. You may eventually have problems with these systems just so you know.

Cliff8928 · 10-17-2006, 03:28 AM

If you have the "Oldsmobile" on the front of your radio, you don't have the class-2 radio and don't have a use for a chime retention module.